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Harvest mites in dogs – treat and naturally relieve itching

dog lying in a meadow dog lying in a meadow

Most dog owners are familiar with fleas and ticks, but there are other little creatures that can cause problems for our four-legged friends, such as Neotrombicula autumnalis,also known as harvest mites or autumn chiggers. Mites belong to the arachnids. The creepy crawlies, no bigger than a pinhead, are difficult to spot with the naked eye and are reddish or orange in colour. Their bites cause small red spots on the skin, which can swell and cause a lot of discomfort as they are very itchy! Anyone who has ever tried to sleep next to a scratching dog knows how annoying it is not only for the dog, but also for you.

dog has itching and scratches itself dog has itching and scratches itself

Harvest mite infestation 

Bites from harvest mites are mainly found on the paws, belly, nose and ears. Sometimes you can recognise individual bite marks, but other times you can just see a flat, reddish swelling. The severe itching caused by harvest mites won’t go unnoticed. In the larval stage, harvest mites like to nest in the upper layers of the skin, where they feed on the tissue fluid and very rarely also on the blood of their hosts. However, they drop off again as soon as they have eaten their fill. The larva then develops into an adult on the ground. That being said, the annoying, itchy marks remain on the skin.

How to combat harvest mites: Home remedies and antiparasitic treatments

Harvest mites can be treated with various antiparasitic remedies from the vet. It is also worth washing your dog thoroughly as soon as you discover mites.  Their paws, belly, ears and muzzle in particular should be cleaned carefully. A veterinary shampoo is best suited for this.

The dog will still be itchy even after the harvest mite has moved on. Some home remedies can help to alleviate the irritation:

  • Aloe vera: The gel from the aloe vera plant has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe the skin. Apply the gel carefully to the affected areas.
  • Calendula spray: Calendula or marigold is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and also alleviates the annoying tingling sensation. Calendula tincture can be diluted and sprayed onto the affected areas of skin.
  • CBD: The rediscovered herbal wonder drug cannabidiol, which is extracted from the hemp plant, also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply the oil directly where it itches!

If you want to treat harvest mites naturally, feed supplements with herbs such as wormwood are also recommended. This is rich in essential oils that parasites may find repulsive. Cistus can also ensure a healthy, intact skin barrier and make it unattractive to mites on the surface. The herbal mixture Super Protect from Dog's Love contains both wormwood and cistus and can be given continuously or as a once-off treatment. 

Avoiding harvest mites

As is so often the case, prevention is better than cure. The main season for harvest mites is from July to October, when meadows grow and flourish. Parasites don’t feel as comfortable in mown grass, so regular mowing can protect your dog. If you find out that harvest mites are present in a certain field, or perhaps you even spot the creepy crawlies, then it is best to avoid these grassy areas altogether. Or check your dog thoroughly after the walk, especially the paws, belly, ears and nose. Small, red or orange moving dots indicate harvest mites!